although we have not met, i want to say that it is a fair bit of work to put together these sorts of things and i am sure it is appreciated even by those who can't attend.
on the whole, most of use are getting older and some are getting busier with grandkids and the like. i had to pass on a very tasty sounding ride yesterday, another one today and tomorrow as well due to grandparent duties and as much as i have loved riding these 40+ years, would not want to miss out on the grandkids. it kills me to say it, but riding just is not going to occupy the primary place in my life going forward. i am sure many others here would say the same.